New Delhi: Smuggling of arms to militants of India's northeast states, boosting security ties, and regional stability are expected to be the key focus when Home minister Rajnath Singh visits China.

"I am looking forward to my visit to China. Hope it would help in deepening of mutual understanding and trust. During my China visit I intend to further strengthen the tradition of mutual learning and better understanding from each other," said, Rajnath Singh.

Singh will be on a five-day official visit to China beginning on November 19.

His itinerary includes a visit to the China's financial hub Shanghai, where he will hold talks with top Chinese officials.

Rajnath Singh is the first Home Minister of India to visit China in about a decade. Shivraj Patil was the last Home Minister who visited China in 2005.

Singh's visit is aimed at bolstering the bilateral ties besides increasing security cooperation between the two nation. the visit is also expected to ease the tension emanation out of the reports claiming Sino infiltration in Arunachal Pradesh.

With China facing serious militancy concerns in Xinjiang region and India reeling from cross-border terrorism, the visit is being considered as both strategic and diplomatic.

Notably, Gen Fan Changlong, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), recently visited India and Pakistan this week, also the first tour by China's highest ranking military official to both the countries in a decade.

China for its part pressed a huge number of security forces to crackdown on al-Qaeda-linked East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) militants in Xinjiang who had bases in Pakistan's tribal areas.

India too faces the constant threat of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan across the Line of Control.

Besides issues relating to terrorism, Singh's talks are expected to crystallise security cooperation between the two countries including a more effective crackdown by China in limiting arms supplies to militant groups in Northeaster states.

The lessons in combating terrorism by the forces of the two countries have formed an integral part of five rounds of the annual Sino-Indian joint military exercises.

(With inputs from various sources)